By Dana Sternthal
News Editor
United States history teacher Cassidy Olson took a two week to six month leave of absence from teaching on Sept. 18 because of an unreleased issue concerning his teaching credentials.
According to Principal Dr. Ben Dale, the Costa baseball program and team will not be affected by Olson’s absence from the classroom, as he will continue to coach full-time.
“Olson is still the head coach of the baseball team,” Dale said. “He’s down there every sixth period doing his job.”
While Olson is on leave, Mark Curren, a substitute teacher with a social science credential, is taking his place.
“He’s working out his credential issues with the state,” Dale said. “I expect him to return as soon as possible.”
Curren was a substitute teacher at Costa for five years prior to being a student teacher for economics teacher Chuck Currier last year. He also taught economics for two semesters in the Costa summer school program. Curran received his social science credential this past summer.
“Both of my daughters went to school at Mira Costa,” Curren said. “I have a lot of history with this school. I’m excited to be a long-term substitute here.”
Many of Olson’s students believe his absence will not affect their class, and they believe their long-term substitute will prove to be a sufficient replacement.
“I’m not worried because I think Olson is a good teacher, and he will be back in time to finish the school year,” junior Carson Boden said. “Since the substitute has taught classes before, he will be able to teach us until Olson returns.”
Olson plans to spend his unpaid leave with his family.
“I have a three week old baby and a two week old son, so in the long run this is a blessing in disguise,” Olson said.
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